Development and Validation of the Critical Consciousness Scale

This study sought to develop and validate a measure of critical consciousness. The measure, referred to as the Critical Consciousness Scale (CCS), examines the capacity of oppressed or marginalized people to critically analyze their social and political conditions, endorsement of societal equality, and action to change perceived inequities. Critical reflection items were developed to gauge respondents' consciousness of racial, gendered, and socioeconomic inequalities in terms of occupational and educational opportunity. Survey questions assessed respondents' opinions on sociopolitical issues and the degree and frequency of participation in individual and/or collective action. Information was collected on topics such as the frequency that respondents participated in discussions regarding social or political issues and their opinions on statements such as whether certain racial or ethnic groups have fewer chances to get good jobs. Demographic variables include race, gender, age, class, and educational attainment of a respondent's mother and father.